Waimakariri River Jetboat Thrill Ride

OVERVIEW

Zip down the Waimakariri River in a jet boat for an absolutely thrilling ride at white-knuckle speeds. On the drive to the launch site, you will pass through the fertile Canterbury Plain with the Southern Alps – the river’s source – in the distance. The Waimakariri is unusual in that its wide lower reaches are braided, meaning they are full of gravel and sediment from the alps that build up and form ever-changing crisscrossing channels. Only one type of boat can easily navigate through this rare shallow river system: your Hamilton jet boat, a Kiwi invention revered for its superior handling, even at high speeds. You will experience that maneuverability firsthand as the captain races through the braided channels, skimming over just a few inches of water at hair-raising speeds. The captain may even intentionally make the boat fishtail every so often just for fun. It will be a nonstop exhilarating experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race across the braided channels of the Waimakariri River in a specially designed jet boat.
• Experience one thrill after another as you zip across the shallow braids at high speed.
• Recognize the jet boat’s ability to maneuver through waters that other boats can’t.
• Be awed by the natural beauty of the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.